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2018 is set to be an exciting year for RNAS Yeovilton and the Fleet Air Arm as the first Royal Navy aircraft is set to touch down on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth, as she sets sail to begin sea trials. Operational evaluation and testing of the F-35B Lightning multirole fighter continues apace whilst aircraft maintainers and handlers are busily getting accustomed to the new type. The Wildcat helicopter takes over as the wings of front-line destroyers and frigates and the Commando Helicopter Force squadrons, now reunited at RNAS Yeovilton, are taking part in various exercises in readiness to deploy at a moment’s notice.

The Air Station’s gates will be open to 40,000 visitors, just as they were 70 years ago in 1947 at the first ever airshow at RNAS Yeovilton, providing the perfect opportunity to see our equipment and meet our personnel first hand.

Over five hours of amazing flying displays and an extensive static display will feature historic naval aircraft and their modern day counterparts in spectacular role demonstrations to acknowledge the Fleet Air Arm’s role in Protecting Our Nation’s Interests. UK and foreign military formation and solo display teams have also been invited to participate at the airshow.

The Royal Canadian Air Force have confirmed their Canadian Forces CF18 Demo Team will be making its first UK appearance in ten years and its first Air Day visit in decades. Canada’s display Hornet is just part of the substantial international line-up now taking shape as negotiations progress with various nations. The twin-engined, twin-tailed Hornet is a potent modern day multi-role fighter that Canada has operated since the early 1980s. At the sharpest end of the Royal Canadian Air Force, it’s a key element of the US and Canada’s NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) that celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018 and we expect the display jet will wear a stunning paint scheme to acknowledge this milestone.

The French Navy’s fantastic Rafale pair role demonstration (which have so far flown at no other UK airshow), with it’s award-winning, all-action routine that highlights the Aéronautique Navale’s cutting-edge multirole fighter aircraft to scintillating effect. Starting with a thunderous formation take-off, the display showcases both present day frontline naval tactics and the fast, powerful and agile Rafale’s exceptional performance capabilities. The Rafale pair, winners of the Best Fixed Wing Display last year, are just part of a typically strong French Navy contingent now confirmed as taking part.

Alongside the magnificent flying display there will also be a huge array of ground attractions, from engineering fairs to the latest defence technology exhibitions, Service displays, trade stalls and arena displays. For the thrill seekers there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy.